The voice of Ukrainian journalists resonates around the world. Ukrainian media professionals continue to inform, investigate, and document history despite the war, constant challenges, missile attacks, and threats to their own lives. Our resilience is a symbol of freedom of speech for the entire world.
The Association «Independent Regional Press Publishers of Ukraine» (AIRPPU) proudly announces that the Ukrainian independent press has been awarded the prestigious international Golden Pen of Freedom Award — an annual press freedom award presented since 1961 by the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) and the World Editors Forum (WEF). The award was accepted by the Association’s СЕО, Oksana Brovko, on behalf of the Ukrainian journalistic community during the opening of the World News Media Congress 2025 in Krakow on May 4.
Unshakable dedication to the profession
This year’s recognition is a symbol of the resilience and steadfastness of Ukrainian journalism amid full-scale war. In its decision, WAN-IFRA emphasized that Ukrainian media professionals «have demonstrated unwavering commitment to press freedom in exceptionally dramatic times» and that Oksana Brovko, as the leader of one of Ukraine’s key media associations, has done a great deal to support her colleagues during the war.
For the Association, it is of immense value to embody Ukraine’s independent media and to receive this award, which symbolizes our passionate determination to defend the public’s right to the truth even in the darkest of times. The Golden Pen of Freedom Award is a recognition not only of individual efforts, but of the entire Ukrainian independent press, which continues to uphold the public’s right to the truth despite repression, threats, occupation, and loss.
Our struggle continues
«Independent journalism is not a luxury – it’s the infrastructure of freedom. In Ukraine, we are keeping it alive under the fire. This award is not a celebration, it is a responsibility – to keep speaking, especially when silence is safer. In Ukraine, journalism is not just a profession. It is a way to survive, a way to preserve memory, and a way to resist. Because when journalists fall silent – the occupiers speak instead», — said Oksana Brovko during the award ceremony.
Read more from her speech at the WAN-IFRA Congress here.
The Association «Independent Regional Press Publishers of Ukraine» supports over 150 independent regional media outlets across the country. Throughout the full-scale war, the team has focused all its efforts on preserving the voices of the media in all Ukraine. On the front lines, where editorial offices are destroyed, journalists continue to work under occupation, delivering printed newspapers under constant shelling and the threat of enemy drones «hunting» them down. Likewise, in the central and western parts of the country, which are geographically distant from the border, they too suffer from missile strikes targeting civilian and critical infrastructure.
Among the Association’s initiatives are insurance for media professionals, safety training, the launch of financial support programs, educational workshops, webinars, and experience exchange with international colleagues, support for women in media who are effectively holding everything on their shoulders, technical assistance and more.
The Golden Pen of Freedom Award is not just recognition of work. Our fight continues. It is a signal to the global community about the value of independent journalism that defends democratic values not only in Ukraine but for the entire world. It is a testament to the support of Ukrainians by international partners who, throughout these years, have extended a friendly and reliable shoulder. At the same time, it is a great responsibility — to preserve unity so that good and justice may prevail.
***
Later, we will share more about the award itself for Ukrainian media and the most interesting practical cases presented at the World News Media Congress.
Follow the Association’s pages to stay updated and not miss new opportunities.
